Tour Times – Winter 2025

Explore the city independently with the Ottawa Inspiration Passport

Ottawa Tourism's Travel Trade team recently launched the Ottawa Inspiration Passport, a digital tool designed to give travel professionals, media and business event clients the chance to explore Ottawa independently during their visits. Previously offered as a PDF for travel trade tour operators, the new digital version offers even more convenience, now hosted on Bandwango's platform.

The Ottawa Inspiration Passport allows you to enjoy Ottawa’s top attractions at your own pace. Whether you’re visiting during your free time or between scheduled activities, the passport gives you access to discounts and special deals at numerous participating attractions, restaurants, retailers and more.

With no app to download, your passport is instantly delivered via text and email and can be saved directly to your phone for easy access.

To claim your Ottawa Inspiration Passport, simply visit the Ottawa Inspiration Passport webpage and register.

Many attractions require reservations, so be sure to check availability ahead of time. If you have any questions about the passport, reach out to the Travel Trade team at traveltrade@ottawatourism.ca. 

Ottawa to host National Tour Association Travel Exchange (NTA TREX) 2025

Ottawa is gearing up to host National Tour Association (NTA) Travel Exchange 2025 from November 9 to 12. This highly anticipated event brings together travel professionals from around the globe to share insights, foster partnerships and push the boundaries of the travel trade industry.

In 2025, attendees will have the opportunity to experience Ottawa’s vibrant mix of world-class attractions, stunning natural landscapes, and thriving arts and culture scene. Whether attendees are looking to explore new destinations or connect with fellow travel professionals, Ottawa offers the perfect backdrop to inspire and elevate the future of travel. Registration opens on June 2025.

Earn exclusive rewards with the Ottawa Visitor Inspiration Program (VIP)

Did you know that in 2024 the Travel Trade team at Ottawa Tourism revamped the Ottawa Visitor Inspiration Program (Ottawa VIP), making it easier than ever to earn exciting rewards?

The updated program is now points-based, allowing you to accumulate points every time you register a group which stays in any Ottawa hotel throughout the year. These points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including coupons, personal trips to Ottawa and Visit Ottawa Passes. These passes can be used by you or your company for future client tours, helping you save money.

For more details on how to register and start earning and redeeming points, visit the Ottawa Visitor Inspiration Program webpage.

Ottawa Tourism’s Travel Trade team highlights Ottawa’s winter magic at FAM Trip

Ottawa Tourism's Travel Trade team recently hosted a memorable FAM trip from February 7 to 10, 2025, welcoming seven tour operators from Mexico to explore the capital. Guests had the chance to experience the magic of Winterlude, skate on the iconic Rideau Canal, visit some of Canada’s top museums, explore the natural beauty of the Outaouais region and more.

Ottawa Tourism showcased Canada’s capital at ABA Marketplace

Ottawa Tourism’s Juan Pablo Suarez (Manager, Travel Trade) attended the American Bus Association’s (ABA) annual Marketplace from February 1 to 4, 2025, in Philadelphia. This major event for the group travel industry saw 2,880 attendees, including 1,033 motorcoach and tour operators, offering valuable business appointments, expert-led educational sessions and numerous networking opportunities.

The event was a major success, with both returning and new tour operators eager to feature Ottawa in their future itineraries. 

Annual Winterlude festival is uniquely Ottawa

Winterlude 2025 has officially wrapped up, and this year's festival was bigger and better than ever! Ottawa’s iconic winter festival, held over three weekends in February draws visitors from across the globe to celebrate winter in Canada’s capital.

From February 2 to 19, Winterlude offered over 200 activities, with free admission to most, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the festival’s highlights was the world-famous Rideau Canal Skateway, which opened on January 11, 2025, with the full 7.8 kilometers of the world’s largest skating rink accessible starting January 18. Skaters had the opportunity to glide along the sparkling canal, a quintessential Ottawa winter experience.

At Sparks Street, the excitement reached new heights with the introduction of LüX, a stunning new sound and light experience. Winterlude evenings were transformed into an electrifying spectacle featuring DJs, dazzling lights and immersive soundscapes, making it the ultimate winter party.

Meanwhile, Confederation Park became a luminous wonderland with Lumen Eira, a sound and light installation featuring a glowing Faery Forest with illuminated trees pulsing to custom soundtracks and a mesmerizing Fountain Fire installation. Other festival highlights included the return of Snowflake Kingdom, a winter wonderland with games, tubing and more kid-friendly activities.

 Ottawa can’t wait to celebrate the magic of the season at next year’s Winterlude!

Ottawa Walking Tours introduces “The Centretown Neighbourhood Experience – Food, Art & History Tour”

Ottawa Walking Tours is launching a brand-new experience: the Centretown Neighbourhood Experience – Food, Art & History Tour. This 3-hour journey through one of Ottawa's most dynamic areas lets you discover the history behind the neighbourhood, taste locally crafted coffee, indulge in Ottawa's Lebanese food traditions and explore stunning public art.

Along the way, walkers will uncover architectural gems, hidden alleyways, and sweet treats beloved by locals.

This tour starts at Minto Park, just a short walk from Parliament Hill and is available upon request. Contact Ottawa Walking Tours for booking details and pricing.

Savour Ottawa’s maple season

From February to April, weather permitting, groups and FIT can experience Canada’s maple season through the charm of Ottawa's sugar bushes. Visitors can explore the syrup-making process, wander along picturesque walking trails, and enjoy hayrides through the scenic landscape.

Indulging in freshly made maple syrup and a variety of sweet treats offers a truly authentic taste of Canadian tradition.

Discover art, history and science at Ottawa’s national museums

Ottawa is home to seven of Canada’s nine national museums, offering world-class experiences in history, art, and science. Groups and FIT can explore ever-evolving exhibitions at the Canadian Museum of History, admire masterpieces at the National Gallery of Canada or get hands-on at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

The Canadian Museum of Nature recently launched Butterflies in Flight in December 2024, inviting visitors to step into a tropical paradise where over 100 live butterflies, including blue morphos, swallowtails, and monarchs, glide through lush greenery. On-site science interpreters offer fascinating insights, and bright clothing may even attract butterflies for an up-close experience. The exhibit ends on January 4, 2026.

From space exploration to natural wonders, Ottawa’s museums offer something for everyone, year-round.

Indulge in ultimate relaxation at North America's largest spa

As winter winds down and the promise of spring approaches, there's no better time to refresh and rejuvenate at the award-winning Nordik Spa-Nature. Located just 10 minutes from downtown Ottawa in Chelsea, Quebec, this Scandinavian-inspired wellness retreat offers a peaceful escape from the last traces of winter.

At Nordik Spa-Nature, visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of saunas, soothing relaxation areas, and outdoor baths surrounded by nature. Experience the therapeutic benefits of thermotherapy, a 2,000-year-old Nordic tradition that alternates between hot and cold pools to bring ultimate relaxation.

Indulge in luxurious spa treatments such as massages and body therapies or enjoy unique experiences like the only saltwater floating pool in North America. For a truly exceptional experience, try Aufguss, a German ritual that intensifies the benefits of thermotherapy using steam infused with essential oils and even snow.

Open year-round, the spa also offers luxurious accommodations, making it the perfect place to welcome a new season.

Virtual Coffee Break FAM – Diefenbunker Museum

Journey 75 feet underground into history at the Diefenbunker, Canada’s Cold War Museum. This unique four-storey underground facility, once a Cold War communications headquarters, is now a national historic site and immersive museum.

With award-winning exhibitions, guided tours, escape rooms, and educational programs, groups and FIT can engage with Canada’s Cold War history and discover unforgettable experiences for all ages.

You can watch the Virtually Ottawa Coffee Break FAM tour here.

Planning a new tour to Ottawa but can’t get here just yet? Explore Canada’s capital through our many virtual guided tours and FAMs.

To discover more winter activities in the region, check out this winter itinerary curated for groups and FIT. You can also contact the Ottawa Tourism Travel Trade team here or explore the Travel Trade toolbox.

Like what you’re seeing? 👀 Spread the word to your fellow Travel Trade pros! They can subscribe to this quarterly newsletter by contacting Ottawa Tourism’s Travel Trade team.